A beautiful new range of products have arrived in Portland Basin Museum’s shop, offering a window into the past.
The products showcase a brand-new artwork, commissioned by the museum to celebrate the unique Portland Basin building and museum collections in a contemporary way.
The design was created by Mossley-based surface pattern designer Rachel Wood.
Rachel’s creative process is rooted in keen observation and experimentation. Her passion is finding joy in everyday, recognisable objects and transforming them into beautiful works of art through repeat pattern. She creates engaging visual stories that encourage people to look closely, discover hidden details, and connect with the communities around them.
The project began with a camera in hand as Rachel explored the museum, photographing objects throughout the industrial gallery, the 1920s street, and taking inspiration from the museum building itself. These photographs be came the starting point for a series of hand-cut paper illustrations, which Rachel later scanned and developed digitally into the finished artwork.
Rachel explains the process behind her design: “Rather than creating a traditional repeat pattern, I designed a single illustration of Portland Basin Museum. Within the building are seven windows, each containing its own repeat pattern inspired by a different aspect of Tameside’s heritage. Together, they transform the building illustration into a visual celebration of local history”.
The motifs were carefully selected to reflect the industries and communities represented within the museum.
Horseshoes celebrate the blacksmith’s forge, while sewing machines acknowledge Brother’s historic factory in Guide Bridge.
Gloves reference Denton’s internationally recognised glove-making industry, and hats celebrate another important local craft that continues today.
Clogs, cotton bobbins and mechanical cogs recognise the working lives and industries that helped shape the area.
Rachel continues: “Alongside these industrial stories, I wanted to include quieter moments from everyday life.
The hopscotch grid recalls children playing outside the schoolhouse during the 1920s, while a playful scallop pattern nods to the design details found inside the local grocer’s store along the recreated old street.
A washing line with bloomers represents family life and domestic history, while ducks swimming on the canal reflects the museum’s beautiful waterside setting, and the swords provide reference to the Bread Riots; an important episode in Stalybridge’s past”.
The finished illustration was adapted across a wide range of products for the museum shop, including greetings cards, tote bags, tea towels, ceramic mugs, water bottles, a jigsaw puzzle, a souvenir fridge magnet and a bespoke tin of hot chocolate flakes. Each item offers visitors a lasting reminder of their visit while celebrating Tameside’s unique heritage.
“I hope the collection encourages visitors to explore the museum, discover the stories behind each motif and enjoy looking through the seven windows into Tameside’s past.”
This project has been made possible thanks to funding from Museum Development North and Arts Council England.
The range of products is now available to buy from Portland Basin Museum, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0QA.
The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am-4pm and entry is free.
The museum shop also offers a wide range of gifts, retro toys, hats and greeting cards.
